132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Salmon River corridor near Shoup, Idaho provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas set among mountainous terrain. Bobcat Gulch offers free primitive camping with river access, while Andreas on the River RV Park provides developed sites with hookups and river views. The region includes both BLM-managed public lands with basic amenities and private campgrounds with more extensive facilities. Camping options range from tent-only sites at Spring Creek Campground to full-service RV parks like Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in nearby North Fork, which features electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for large rigs.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds accessible via paved highways while dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though some primitive sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions. The Salmon River area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with significant snowfall at higher elevations. Cell service is limited outside of towns, particularly in canyon areas and remote camping locations. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall. A camper noted, "We have done only boondocking but were tired and wanted proximity to town. Kind of shocked it was $45 a night after so much free camping!"
Riverside camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering direct access to the Salmon River. Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for osprey and deer. Reviews highlight the contrast between busy developed campgrounds near highways and more secluded primitive sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors appreciate the spacious sites at Twin Creek Campground, which offers "great campground host, bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water." Campgrounds closer to town tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, while more remote locations often have availability even during peak season. The area's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs, with amenities ranging from basic vault toilets to full hookups depending on the specific location.
"Great location & super clean! Our campsite was right next to the river. Dog friendly and there is a dog island that your fur kid can run around off leash!"
"Wonderful location with very little wifi services. If you want to relax in a very nice, park setting, surrounded by mountains, this would be your place. Big spaces in the middle area."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Only downside is it’s rather close to the highway and you can hear cars driving by pretty regularly."
"Cattle farms nearby but not a bother. Small campground that is quiet with camp host on site. Camp host dog wanders but is friendly."
"It’s a nice quiet camp close to town on the river. It is not $5, it is $15 a night. Which is more - but 1/2 off for old farts like me."
from $2 - $15 / night
"We stayed in site #2 pretty close to the lodge which I think helped with the WiFi signal. The sites are large and easily fit our 28’ trailer and truck. Definitely could fit any size class A rig."
"Perfect campground located next to painted rocks reservoir. Can be hot, there isnt alot of shade trees."
"Very clean and well kept campground near the Bitter root river and among lost of walking and hiking trails."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"This small campground is right along the highway so it has easy access... and some highway noise. It is small, but we were there by ourselves 2 of the 3 nights we stayed."
"We piddled around in a raft around the lake and did some fishing. Saw quite a bit of wildlife. We had a great camping spot right by the water. Touring the mining towns near by was so much fun!"
"Tis campground was a favorite on our Idaho trip. Lots of spots available on a week night. Great campground host. Bathrooms were really clean and great tasting water."
"Sites aren’t too close to each other so there is some privacy, and there are lots of trees for shade and hammocks."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis dispersed site was a large turn out on the road, enough room for two camps, on a large bend in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, caught several cutthroat and rainbows 10-12”, site was great, free, shady and right next to woods and river. A couple nice stone fire pits had been formed, lots of room.
GuideSite “10”, tents only but enough room for our truck camper rig. Beautiful access to East Fork of the Bitter Root. Oneish hour south of Missoula. Most sites require reservations. Fished here, caught a bunch of little bitty Bull Trout. Host let us help ourselves to firewood.
ScoutPlease note, we have never stayed here, but the following experience should give anyone pause about ever making reservations, and then trying to cancel later. And, if the owner('Stu') is as corrupt and non-customer focused as he was in this simple matter, then God help anyone staying there who has a REAL problem! Our experience validates some bad reviews about this‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ owner! Here's our story: We made reservations online via RoverPass on 1 May, 2026 staying for three days in September, 2026, 4-1/2 MONTHS away, paying the full amount for all three days. Our plans changed and a month later, we canceled our reservations online via RoverPass. I then phoned Elk Bend RV Park.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that I had just canceled the reservations and he said“fine”, and hung up. I waited A WEEK and the credit had still not hit my credit card account. I phoned Elk Bend RV Park on 8 June 2026.‘Stu’ answered. I told him that“it’s been a full week now, and no refund credit has hit my credit card account”. He said“I’ll take care of it”. I said“Thanks”. End of conversation. A day or two later, I phoned Elk Bend RV Park and the call went over to voicemail after two or three rings. I figured I'd give the guy a couple more days, and called again on 11 June 2026. The call immediately went over to voicemail, no dial tone, nothing! Apparently, he had BLOCKED my number! At that point, I went online to my credit card account and logged a dispute. I attached at least 4 or 5 emails with the RoverPass reservations and cancellation to the dispute. After over a month, the credit was finally applied to my account. After over a month and multiple attempts, the credit card company noted that they had been unable to contact the owner! So, be forewarned, this‘Stu' character is a crook, and based on some of his reviews, a real kook, and he will keep your money unless DRASTIC action is taken! Had we paid for our reservations via check or debit card, we would have been, frankly, SCREWED! It is important to note that during this entire ordeal, we NEVER received a single phone call, email, or text message from'Stu' or anyone at ELK BEND RV Park concerning this matter! STAY AWAY! RUN, if need be! DO NOT STAY HERE! If you need a GREAT place nearby, we HIGHLY recommend Wagonhammer RV Park, in North Fork, about 42 miles North. We have stayed there three or four times over the years, and it's very nice!
GuideWe found this place by chance. Just off highway 93 S .. small dispersed campground .. maybe 4 sites in total with fire rings most with access to Salmon river. A decorated vault toilet with toilet paper and a small boat launch ramp. Close to the highway but noise really didn’t bother us. Spent two nights here. Free! We have a 30 ft motorhome with high clearance and found a nice place to camp up!
ScoutWe recently camped at Rombo campground, with friends, and had a wonderful time. The campground is quite small, perhaps 15 individual spots, which worked well for us, as I particularly like the more private and quieter locations. There was potable water spigots and bear proof garbage containers. The fire rings looked fairly new, with higher, larger rings and sturdy grates.
The camp host is very friendly and helpful. He cleans the pit toilets on a regular basis and does a great job. He travels through the campground regularly, with his little dog Jellybean, making sure that everyone is taking care of their campsites (no unattended fires, trash issues, parking issues, etc.)
Most sites had an easy access to the river and there were a few trails nearby to hike on. We heard heron calls in the evening, as well as seeing many smaller critters. The camp host warned us that bears had been visiting the campgrounds near the Painted Rock Reservoir, about 10 miles away, and could show up at our campground as well, so we were sure to pack all food items away.
The spaces for campers were not very large so I would say this is best suited for smaller campers or travel vans. We had a tear drop trailer, which was perfect for the site that we found. There are only a few sites that can be reserved online, the rest are on a first come basis. Our only complaint about our three days there, is that there was a crew across the river that was clearing deadfall and working with chainsaws. They started at about 5:45 each morning but had to quit at 2:00 pm. That put a damper on trying to sleep in and the noise was a bit irritating as it sounded like a dirt bike racetrack around the forest.
TravelerJust three RV sites which made it feel private. The bathrooms with showers were very nice. Electric and water hookups right by the river was a great find!
GuideBig rig friendly, paved water and electricity
ScoutStep downhill to get to site. Right on river with a little beach. Locals do use this spot to swim in & lit off a firework right next to my dog hence the lower review
GuideSmall and beautiful quiet campground with stream and little traffic. Some bugs. One pit toilet, picnic tables and grass.
The Salmon River corridor near Shoup, Idaho sits at elevations between 3,500-4,000 feet and features diverse camping options along Highway 93. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F during July and August, while nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even in summer months. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area with concentrated dead zones in river canyons and gulches where many camping spots near Shoup, Idaho are located.
Kayaking access points: Multiple campgrounds provide direct river access for paddling adventures. At Bobcat Gulch, sites back up to the river offering convenient launching for small watercraft. "FREE and pretty quiet for the Saturday night I stayed - 4 open spots at 8:30pm," notes camper Evan H.
Wildlife viewing: The Salmon River area hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. At Tower Rock Recreation Site, one camper reported: "There was an osprey nest right by our campsite which had some babies and parents which were interesting to watch." This campground provides excellent river access for wildlife spotting from shore.
Huckleberry picking: Seasonal berry picking enhances camping trips during late summer months. A camper at Twin Creek Campground mentioned: "Huckleberries were ripe, added treat. Beautiful forest." The campground's setting in forested terrain provides shade and natural food gathering opportunities.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained campgrounds in the region. At Morgan Bar Campground, a visitor noted: "Camp host is a cool guy too, that always helps. First camp site in 2 weeks I've decided to stay for multiple days because it's a beauty."
River sounds: The ambient noise of flowing water creates a peaceful camping atmosphere. At Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground, campers can position themselves extremely close to the water. "Not sure if you can get any closer to the river. The back of the trailer was probably less than 10 ft. to the river. Outstanding view," wrote one reviewer.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating distance between sites in this region. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor commented: "Quiet, mostly shady, not too crowded." The size and spacing of sites allows for privacy even during busier periods.
Weather challenges: Summer heat can be intense throughout the region. A reviewer at Spring Creek Campground warned: "I would not recommend end of July/August. Temps 100 and no breeze." Planning early morning activities helps mitigate heat exposure.
Variable pricing: Camping costs range significantly from free dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with amenities. At Morgan Bar Campground, a camper clarified: "It's a nice quiet camp close to town on the river. It is not $5, it is $15 a night. Which is more - but 1/2 off for old farts like me."
Connectivity limitations: Digital connectivity remains extremely limited throughout the camping areas near Shoup. A Wagonhammer RV Park camper explained: "No cell service (AT&T & Sprint). Poor WiFi. If you are a digital nomad and stay here then go to Salmon (30-minute drive), turn left, and a few blocks down on your left is the public library. It's the best wifi you'll find."
Water safety planning: Rivers in the area can have strong currents depending on season and location. At River's Fork Lodge & RV Park, a family camper advised: "Unfortunately I didn't realize how warm, calm, and popular the river was. Next time we come back we will definitely float the river."
Activity limitations: Some camping locations offer minimal structured activities for younger children. The same River's Fork Lodge camper noted: "If there was really anything they could add, would possibly be something for kids to do. Just as a family of four with a 3 and 6 year old, they can only fish so much."
Budget options: For families watching expenses, several free or low-cost camping sites exist in the area. A visitor at Bobcat Gulch mentioned the campground is "Pretty small and basic" but appreciated that it's "FREE and pretty quiet" even on weekends.
Site selection considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs safely. A camper at Alta Campground noted: "We're looking forward to another stay next year. Thanks Forest Service, you've done well with this one." The campground's sizable sites work well for various RV lengths.
Loop navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns that limit accessibility. At Tower Rock Recreation Site, a camper advised: "Loop is a bit tight in spots so I wouldn't recommend it for a large 5'er or motorhome."
Water and dump availability: RVers should plan ahead for services. At Twin Creek Campground, a camper noted: "There is water, and there is one hose big on one of them." Most campgrounds in the area lack dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shoup, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shoup, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Shoup, ID and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shoup, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shoup, ID is Spring Creek Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shoup, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Shoup, ID.
What parks are near Shoup, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Shoup, ID that allow camping, notably Bitterroot National Forest and Clearwater National Forest.
Keep Exploring
